Vbeam Laser Procedure
The Vbeam produces an intense but gentle burst of light that selectively destroys the blood vessels of your spider veins or other vascular lesions, such as angiomas, without damaging the surrounding tissue. After laser treatment, the surrounding tissue is left intact and normal pigmentation occurs.
Are there other ways to treat spider veins?
For spider veins in the legs, some patients receive sclerotherapy.
For other types of vascular lesions, such as, stretch marks, scars, facial spider veins or warts, some patients have tried surgery, electrocautery, cryotherapy (freezing the area) or tattooing. These procedures often result in scarring or can leave an unsatisfactory result.
Other lasers, such as the ruby laser, argon laser and CO2 laser, also have been used to treat vascular lesions. These lasers are not as specific to the destruction of the blood vessels in the vascular lesions and have resulted in scarring in many individuals. Because of the chance of scarring, the use of these lasers in infants and young children is not recommended.
Are there any reasons that would not make me a candidate for therapy?
The depth of penetration of the Vbeam is limited to vessels about 1.5 mm in size. Therefore, vessels larger than this may not respond to the therapy. Additionally, blue vessels may not respond as well as red ones.
What should I expect from this laser treatment?
The treatment regimen may consist of multiple laser treatments. For facial veins, one treatment may be sufficient for clearance, but a second visit is recommended for the best results. These treatments occur on an average of every 6 to 12 weeks. Each individual situation may vary, and it is best to discuss yours with your physician.
The type of vascular lesion to be treated will determine the number of treatments needed. Red veins respond better than blue veins, and the smaller, matted vessels will respond sooner than vessels up to 1.5 mm in size..
Are there any adverse effects?
With any laser therapy, there is a possibility for adverse effects. The following are adverse effects that may occur with the Vbeam:
- The treated area may become hyperpigmented, or appear darker after the bruising/red discoloration heals. There also is a chance the skin may become hypopigmented, or appear lighter. Normal skin color usually returns within 6 months after laser therapy.
- Scarring is a risk with the use of any laser. The Candela Vbeam has had no reported incidence of scarring. If the post-treatment skin care instructions are not followed, this can increase the chance of scarring.
- The treated area may show a slight depression after the laser treatments. This depression usually resolves within a few months.
Will the laser treatment hurt?
For the leg vein treatment, the laser pulses are delivered in conjunction with a spray of cryogen, which reduces the discomfort and postoperative (use ‘post-procedural’ instead?)hyperpigmentation. For other lesions, a topical cream anesthetic or local injection can be used if requested. The feeling of a laser pulse has been described as being snapped by a rubber band or a slight stinging sensation. Following laser treatment, the area may continue to sting slightly or feel warm (similar to a sunburn).
If a large area is to be treated, topical anesthesia may be necessary. A small test area can be performed before the entire area is treated to evaluate your pain tolerance. Most patients tolerate this procedure without any need for anesthesia. Applying ice packs postoperatively can alleviate any discomfort experienced during the procedure.
How long will the laser treatments last?
The duration of your laser treatment depends on the size of the area you wish to have treated or the time allotted by the physician or nurse performing your treatment. You will need to discuss this with the physician or nurse performing your treatment.